Weather Watch: Weather plays a key part in summer sport

Cricket matches are very much affected by the weather, which can even influence the overall result.

Rain delays can wipe off entire days of play, but also enable teams to salvage a draw from the jaws of defeat.

But it’s not only the ability to keep the match going that the weather affects, it can also have a significant impact on the gameplay itself.

Overcast and humid days are said to be ideal conditions for what is known as “swing bowling”, where the ball veers sideway during flight.

Why this is the case isn’t conclusively known, but some suggest that the humidity changes the density of the air, affecting the flight of the ball.

Others suggest the stillness of the air enables the ball to swing.

Conversely, warm and sunny days are said to favour the batsman.

It is believed that as the sun heats the ground, it creates a more “turbulent” layer of air above it.

This may have the effect of preventing the ball from swerving to the side, aiding the batsman.

Here in the Aylesbury Vale, it is likely to remain rather cool over the next couple of days with temperatures in the high teens Celsius at best.

There will be some sunny spells but also a few showers.

Slowly turning warmer through Friday and the weekend.